Naloxone Auto-Injector

Uses

This medication is used for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid (narcotic) overdose. Serious overdose symptoms may include unusual sleepiness, unusual difficulty waking up, or breathing problems (ranging from slow/shallow breathing to no breathing). Other symptoms of overdose may include very small "pinpoint" pupils, slow heartbeat, or low blood pressure. If someone has serious overdose symptoms but you are not sure if he or she has overdosed, give this medication right away anyway, since lasting slow/shallow breathing may cause permanent damage to the brain or death.

This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid antagonists. It works by blocking the effects of the opioid in the brain. This medication may not work as well to block the effects of certain types of opioids (mixed agonist/antagonists such as buprenorphine, pentazocine). With these types of opioids, blocking may be incomplete or you may need a higher dose of naloxone.

The effects of naloxone will not last as long as the effects of the opioid. Since treatment with this medication is not long-lasting, be sure to get medical help right away after giving the first dose of naloxone. Treatment of opioid overdose should also include breathing treatment (such as oxygen given through tubes in the nose, mechanical ventilation, artificial respiration).

How to use Naloxone Auto-Injector

See also Uses section.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist when you get this medication and each time you get a refill. Be sure to keep this medication handy in case it is needed. Learn ahead of time how to properly inject this medication and practice with the trainer device so you will be ready to use naloxone if needed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The solution in this product should be clear. Check this product visually for particles or discoloration from time to time. If the solution is cloudy, discolored, or contains solid particles, replace it with a new auto-injector. (See also Storage section.)

Avoid accidentally injecting this medication into your hands or areas of the body other than the thigh. If this happens, tell the healthcare professional right away.

The effects of this medication are rapid but not long-lasting. After giving naloxone, get medical help right away, even if the person wakes up. If symptoms return after giving an injection, give another naloxone injection using a new auto-injector every 2 to 3 minutes if available. Each auto-injector contains only one dose and cannot be reused. Continue to closely watch the person until emergency help is received. Tell the healthcare professional that you have given an injection of naloxone.

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Side Effects

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

In someone who has been using an opioid regularly, withdrawal symptoms can happen suddenly after receiving this medication. Withdrawal symptoms may include body aches, fever, sweating, watering eyes, runny nose, sneezing, goose bumps, yawning, weakness, shivering/trembling, nervousness, restlessness, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, stomachcramps, increased blood pressure, fast heartbeat. In babies younger than 4 weeks who have been receiving an opioid regularly, sudden opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not treated the right way. Symptoms in babies may include seizures, crying more than usual, and muscle twitching/spasms.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to naloxone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may cause opioid withdrawal in an unborn baby whose mother has been regularly taking an opioid. The doctor will carefully monitor both the pregnant woman and the unborn baby after this medication is given. Ask your doctor for details.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Overdose

Overdose in somebody not regularly taking an opioid is highly unlikely. However, if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about ways to prevent opioidoverdose. Teach your close family or household members the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and tell them where you keep this medication.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Store this product and the trainer device in the carrying case/original packaging at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

From time to time, check the expiration date, and check this product visually for particles or discoloration. Replace the device before it expires or if it has particles/discoloration.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this medication when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.Information last revised August 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.